Monday, January 24, 2011

New Mommy Beauty: Skin Care While Pregnant

A few days ago I shared with you what skin care ingredients to avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding. The unavoidable truth is that the list of things to not use because of actual evidence of badness (or any lack of evidence that something is safe) is rather long, and makes picking out skin care somewhat tough while pregnant. So, really what most people want is a list of safe skin care products for pregnancy and nursing.

Add in wanting to continue fighting aging (because let's face it, most of us are over 30 while pregnant rather than in our early 20s)... and.... our options have dramatically shrunk.

First, a quick little review of what I think should be included in everyone's skin care routine and any modifications for pregnancy.

1. Gentle Cleansing: Pick a cleanser that removes all of your makeup (especially in the eye area, it's amazing how much eye liner and mascara can be left behind and look horrible), rinses off easily and leaves your skin non-irritated with no redness or after wash tightness.

2. Exfoliation: Usually done either physically (with a scrub or wash cloth or even a BuffPuf) or chemically. In my usual life I prefer chemical since it is more predictable and my skin can tolerate it well. However since the hydroxy acids are a no-go during pregnancy I've opted for physical exfoliation. This means a few times a week I'll use a scrub (I prefer to do this in the shower for easy rinsing, my current favorite is Your Best Face's Prep) and in between I simply make sure I scrub my face a little bit more with my washcloth.

3. Moisturization: The mythical glowy complexion of pregnancy can be achieved (I think I had it for a few weeks somewhere around week 24), and one of the keys is moisture! Keeping your skin nice and plump helps with minimizing any signs of aging as well, even if the effects are temporary. My favorite ingredient in a moisturizer is Hyaluronic Acid (aka- Sodium Hyaluronate) since as a humectant it attracts and keeps moisture in the skin rather than sealing it in (and looking greasy) like an emollient. I love emollients on my body though. Just not on my t-zone.

4. Sun Protection: This is always important. At a bare minimum I think everyone needs a SPF 15 with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, SPF 30 is even better if you can get it. I do not think that you should be looking to your makeup for SPF (chances are you're not going to use the huge amount of foundation or powder to obtain that rating, if your product has SPF in it just consider this a little added bonus). I think you need to have your sunscreen in your daily moisturizer or a separate sunscreen product. Note that during pregnancy with your hormones run amok you are at risk of developing the dreaded "mask of pregnancy", Melasma. I'll be featuring a full post about this (along with the recs of a few dermatologists on how to deal with it) in a few weeks, but your main defense against it is sunscreen. So slather up!

So, I'm sure if you read my blog regularly you recognize my anti-aging checklist. It lists the ingredient categories that I like to include in every anti-aging routine (not necessarily in 1 product). My ideal is to have the routine above, to have peptides and anti-oxidants +/- hydroxy acids in a moisturizer, sunscreen in my day time moisturizer, and then to add in retinoids as a concentrated product that I can then use as my skin tolerates (my skin is usually a bit sensitive to retinoids, I usually end up at every other night). Obviously this can't happen with all of the ingredients to avoid.

So, by the time we take into account what to avoid, the anti-aging checklist turns into the image on the bottom. We're still allowed peptides and anti-oxidants, but retinoids are all a big no-no and the hydroxy acids are typically avoided, especially if you're erring on the conservative side like me. Yes, it sucks to not be able to use a retinoid, but it's only for 9 months so not a big deal. It's the hydroxy acid avoidance that is actually much more annoying. Do you know how hard it is to avoid hydroxy acids?? They like to pop up everywhere. Throw in avoiding all of the other ingredients (especially those skin whiteners) and suddenly there aren't a lot of options.

So, what have I found that works with this? Some of these were old stand-bys that I like to keep on hand to use in between product testings, and some of them were actually things that I tested. The first products in each category are the ones I actually used while pregnant, then I listed a few that I've used in the past and after checking ingredient lists I found they would have worked too.

What to do with Blemishes?
So... What are your favorite topical ingredients to treat blemishes? Because it sure seems like all of mine (Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid) were both on that list of no-no ingredients. Just try finding an acne treatment that doesn't contain either of those or a hydroxy acid. Pretty much impossible. A reader asked me about Witch Hazel the other day, and that is safe in pregnancy, so that is an option if it doesn't try you out like crazy (like it does me, so I avoid it like the plague).

So.... those hormone induced bumps... you pretty much need to wait them out. To help things along I did do some warm compresses, I did have a facial and let my esthetician do some extractions, and I tried to keep my pores as cleaned out as I could. So, exfoliation, I used my Clarisonic every day and did some masking. Especially during the month that blemishes were a problem for me, I was using a clay containing mask to help suck up all the nastiness about 2-3 times a week (I love the Borghese Fango Mask or the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask, which might be the best $3 you'll ever spend).

Hi Christine,I just found your blog and it's great!!! I was wondering if you can help me out. Do you know if it's safe to use La Mer Eye Cream when Pregnant or La Prarie eye cream?? Those are the 2 I have been using and now that I am pregnant I'm so unsure????If you are aware of any great eye creams I would love to hear about them.Thanks you

Hi Anon!It's hard to say because I can't find ingredient lists on-line for the La Mer, so I really don't know about that one. Given the ingredients in the La Mer face cream, it's likely ok. Which La Prarie eye cream are you using? I checked their site and they have about 7 (and no ingredient info on their site), but I can try to hunt down whichever one you're using.Congrats on your pregnancy!

Thank you so much!!! the one from la prarie is Cellular Radiance Eye Cream. I have been using that one for a while and I absolutely love it. The one from la mer is the eye balm intense. If I can get you a list of ingredients for both these products can you help to tell me if they are ok?? I have no idea how to read the ingredients or what to look out for.Thank you so much

I can definitely look at them for you! I can't find the ingredients anywhere on line. It's probably easiest if you email them to me, cemikese at yahoo.com is my email address. If it's on the packaging, you don't need to type them all out, take a pic (use the macro feature on your camera to focus that closely) and just send the images! :D

hi Christine, i just found your blog and loved it! How about Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs), Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid? I've been using neostrata hydrating eye complex but now im not so sure if its safe. Im 6 weeks pregnant, should i continue using it? thanks a lot!

AnaLuiza- Congrats! I hope you're feeling well! Similar to the alpha and beta hydroxy acids, there isn't any info on polyhydroxy acids and their safety during pregnancy. In my super conservative approach to pregnancy skin care, I didn't use them during my pregnancy last year. I'd recommend talking to your OB about it, however there isn't an ACOG statement about topical products so every doc will approach this differently. I come at it from my background as a pediatrician, so particularly in the first 20 weeks or so I was super conservative. I loosened up a bit in the 3rd trimester after organs were formed and things were maturing and growing instead.

Thanks a lot Christine, I won't use it anymore. Im using Neutrogena oil free moisturizer for sensitive skin and Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel on my face, are these safe? which eye cream do you recommend? Thanks a lot for your help! oh, and i'm feeling great, no nausea so far! Ana Luiza

I could only find the Clinique ingredients listed on a blog, but they appeared complete there. Looking at the list there and on the Neutrogena website they both look safe. I used mostly the YBF eye cream listed above while pregnant, but it's expensive and I really just pulled it out of a drawer. I'm lucky with the insane amount of products that just show up on my doorstep.

In terms of another eye cream that works other than the ones listed above, I've just looked around a few websites and found:- No Neutrogena products work. Ignore all of their eye creams.- The Olay eye roller is a nice basic eye cream, though the roller bit is a bit unnecessary.- Here's another Olay: Definitity Illuminating Eye, which has anti-oxidants and peptides, great for anti-aging, but avoids no-no ingredients.-The Aveeno website only has 1 eye cream on it, and I have a sample for an upcoming release in my office. Neither work.

Is it safe to apply hyaluronic acid to your skin when pregnant?I'm hearing conflicting answers.Some say it's fine because it's naturally in your skin and others say not to because too much may be harmful.

It is safe! Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin, in rather large amounts. It's actually a rather large molecule, and in fact when applied topically it can NOT penetrate the epidermis. Instead, it sits on the skin surface and pulls in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated. It is a great ingredient for the winter and completely safe.

Hi Christine! Love your blog and the information you provide. I am breastfeeding my 3 mont old daughter and confused on what skincare to use. I am 39 and looking 45!! I am going to purchase some of the products you suggested , but confused about the strivectin sd you mentioned above. Is that one safe? It's ingredients have the ones you say to stay away from. Thanks in advance for your reply!

I can't find a list of the ingredients on the clinique website, but I imagine that it isn't safe while pregnant, as is the case with most hyperpigmentation products. There's very little that you need to avoid while breast feeding, but Hydroquinone (which is commonly found in products like this) is one of them. You'll need to check the box to double check. I hope that helps some!

Hi i am 14 weeks pregnant and am having those nasty chin outbreaks, just wanting to know if the Ella Bache Lait Exotique- Balancing cleansing milk is safe and there Intensive balancing lotion. The Cleansing milk has Triethanolamine in it which i had read elsewhere isn't safe, but you haven't mentioned that so i just thought i would ask, thanks muchly

Congrats!I can't find that ingredient on any no-no while pregnant lists, though I found it on a few organic skin care sites and they said to avoid it. But, they also listed pretty much any ingredient not found in any of their products, and they didn't list references or reasons why to avoid it. So, I'm taking that info with a grain of salt.I then did a few pubmed.gov searches (open to anyone, it's a search of the medical literature) and really only found info linking it to changes in the kidneys and livers of rats when they were exposed to pretty high levels. No cancers were found. I couldn't find anything specifically linking it (or not linking it) to any problems in pregnancy of humans or any animals. No info.I'd say if you're worried about the ingredient at all (since you're asking about it), I'd just avoid it for peace of mind. I had those horrible chin breakouts too, clay masks (Queen Helene!) helped me some. Really, it was like my hormones shifted one day and suddenly they weren't an issue any more.

Thanks so much for your above response i didn't expect anything back so quick!Next question about their intensive balancing lotion which is like a toner and you just dab it on,on the back it lists botanical extracts up the top of witch hazel, aloe vera, rosemary and chamomile, but then it lists down the bottom a whole heap of other extracts like things i'd never heard of: yarrow, balm mint, coltsfoot,sage,horsetail, etc etc so what do you think, or is there another toner which will calm my chin down, thanks so much again it is much appreciated, this baby took a long time to come along, hence the paranoid second time mum :)

Hi Christine, I love your blog and wish I would have found it months ago! I am nursing and wanted to start using anti-aging products again. Are the following two products safe to use - Ole Henriksen Truth Serum and Neutrogena Dermatologics Total Hydration water gel? Thanks so much.

I was at the hospital today, so it took a bit longer to comment back! :D

Anon #1 above- I think all of those are pretty much fine, though I'd avoid a lot of willow bark, which is essentially aspirin. Unfortunately, blemishes in pregnancy are just hard to treat.

Anon #2- It looks like Truth Serum is fine and I can't find an "official" ingredient list for the Neutrogena on the QVC site. I did find a list of ingredients in a Q&A, but I'm not sure if it is accurate (parts of it are duplicated). If that list looks correct compared to your product at home, it looks ok to use as well!

Thanks for your reply I have used the toner with willow bark extract only once a day on my chin and a tiny amount!For a week now, Obviously I won't any more should this be ok if I stop now? Can I use witch hazel instead surely I wouldn't be the first person unknowingly to use something that isn't right now I am panicking...

You're definitely not the first! And there isn't a lot in a toner, i'm sure that very little of it actually gets absorbed. Don't really worry about it now, just switch over to Witch Hazel when you can get to the store.

Hi Christine, this list is very useful thank you. I came across your blog while getting increasingly frustrated at finding lists of ingredients that should be avoided but no actual product recommendations. I'm 5 months pregnant and have been using Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, and Guinot Longue Vie Yeux eye lifting cream which contains Retinyl Acetate so I'll be switching to the Elizabeth Arden Intervene range.

Anon- It hasn't been found to be dangerous, but as a hydroxy acid it hasn't really been studied and therefore just gets lumped in with all of the others to avoid as it just hasn't been proven to be safe. It appears on pretty much every list I was able to find, including several in medical text books. I include it since even my OB included it on their list of items to avoid.

I personally avoided it because it was on those lists. Honestly, I did it just to see if it could be done at first, and then later I felt guilty if I used it because it was on the list even though I knew that it was silly since yes, it is in food. Does that make sense? So, really I think it's probably fine, as Lactic Acid is (your body actually makes Lactic Acid).

Hi Christine. Just found out I'm pregnant and have been using the Dermatologica Dynamic Skin Recovery with SPF 30. Is this safe to continue to use? I use the CeraVe facial moisturizer pm at night and looks from an earlier post that is safe to use. Thanks for the help.

Hi Robin!Congrats! It looks like the mask and triple defense treatment spf 30 are both ok. The overnight cream has a retinoid and there is a little hydroxy acid in the toner, so I'd avoid those for now.

Great post Christine- I often have clients struggling with breakouts while pregnant or nursing & am limited in what I can have them use. I steer them towards papaya enzymes such as Jan Marini's SkinZyme, as well as lactic acid which can be found in Kate Somerville's Clinic To Go Pads. Our Dermatologist says both are fine for those pregnant or nursing. Hope that adds a few other options!

Hyaluronic Acid isn't really an acid, it's a form of Sodium Hyaluronate, which your body makes naturally, as it is found in large amounts in the extra cellular matrix around cells, particularly in the dermis. It is a VERY large compound that is pretty much impossible to absorb into the skin at all, and it can't cross over into the blood stream and then to the baby. So yes, it is safe, because it is already found in much higher amounts in your body than you could ever absorb.

Hi Christine, I'm so thankful i found your blog...i just have few questions, i am currently breastfeeding and my face needs to be cleaned at the same time but i am not applying anything on it coz i'm not sure if it's ok for my baby,,,but is clinique clarifying lotion #3 safe while breastfeeding? it contains:

Now that you're breastfeeding instead of pregnant, things are a bit different. The easiest way to think of it is that you no longer have a tiny person developing major organs inside of you, exposed to most of what you do to your body. The placenta doesn't let everything through, but it is basically a giant sieve and a lot of stuff does get through. Breast feeding is different, that milk is basically secreted into milk ducts, which means things need to have a specific transporter or be somehow able to get around the whole process. So, major difference!

You can check out my post on skin care ingredients in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but basically there isn't much other than hydroquinone that you need to worry about for breastfeeding. (Still avoid oral Retin A, but it is ok topical while breastfeeding) So, both of those products are fine! You can have good skin and breastfeed!

Hi Christine! Agree with the comments above that this has been a super helpful posting (as a first time mom-to-be who is nervous about everything) ;-) A previous post asked about Rodan and Fields anti-age line, which is also what I was using until I found out I was pregnant. One item in the regimen I didn't see addressed is their Multi-function Eye Cream. I think it only has peptides in it, not retinol, but wanted to see if you could check it and let me know your thoughts? I already miss using it? Ingredient lists are here: https://www.rodanandfields.com/images/Archives/Ingredient_List_07.08.11.pdfThank you!

@Nicky- Unfortunately, I don't have your email address, so I'll address it here. :D The ingredients you list for #1 are ok, the Advantan Cream I'd discuss with a doctor as the Methylprednisolone is a steroid that we use by prescription only here in the US and I don't think that's safe unless very needed. Topical steroids can be absorbed systemically, though in small amounts. I'd chat with a doctor. #3 you don't list the ingredients for, but pretty much any whitening cream will have ingredients that are no-nos. Hyaluronic Acid itself isn't an acid, but rather is a very large molecule (which skin can't absorb) and is already found in large amounts in the skin. It's fine. La Mer doesn't really release their ingredients, though I have a post listing the most commonly reported ingredient list. I found that list all over the internet, but I really don't know if it is true or not. There's a small amount of Citric Acid in La Mer in that list, really there to adjust the pH. I avoided that small amount while in my first 2 trimesters, then didn't go out of my way to avoid it after that. It's really more up to you.

@HCMCHI- I'm glad that this post has been helpful! I haven't really used much of the Rodan and Fields line other than ProActive (which really cleared up my skin super fast right before my wedding in 2003), though just recently I said I'd review some products for them. I'm so glad I did, look at the huge number of peptides in that eye cream! OMG!!! And yes, it looks safe to me. Definitely use it, I'm excited to try it out now!

First I would like to thank you for creating such a fabulous (& very much needed!) blog. I am especially grateful since my OB-GYN recently told me to "google" self tanners since she didn't know if they were safe (& I found conflicting reports on DHA - if it actually penetrates the skin or not). I purchased the most natural self tanner I could find: Caribbean Solutions Beach Colours Self Tanner.

Congrats on your pregnancy!I have a second post on skincare ingredients to avoid when pregnant. I address DHA there, and I can tell you there really isn't a consensus. I've seen it on lists of things that are ok, on lists of things that aren't ok... I can't find info on it in a pubmed search. I do recall reading info somewhere about DHA being found in the liver of users. I can't find that again though. (Was it real? Was it an obscure reference? Did I dream it? I don't know.)

Personally, I would avoid any self tanners while pregnant. I recall having some very strange dry patches that would come and go... and that doesn't exactly translate into an even tan. I'd go with a bronzer instead if you need something for color. NARS has a liquid one, there are some spray versions from Sally Hansen and MAC.... I've just embraced the pale.

In regards to Revitalash- the company says to check with your doctor. I used Revitalash myself while pregnant, I looked all of the ingredients up and didn't really find any issues.

Hi Christine, that's an awesome blog! Thanks so much. Do you know if Latisse is on the list of unsafe products to use while pregnant? I'm in my 9th week and since I knew I was pregnant have been using it once a week instead of daily. Thanks so much for the reply

The Latisse I would stop using since the active ingredient is a prostaglandin analogue. It can do not great things to blood vessels in babies (we purposefully give it to close them sometimes shortly after birth), and while I don't know the effects in a fetus I think it'd be better to stop. I'm not sure it will help your lashes much only once a week anyways. Consider checking out Revitalash instead, I think it's safe, it's much cheaper and I had good results from it!

Thank you for all of the great info! What do you think about the safety of CeraVe foaming cleanser? Here is the link to the ingredients. http://cerave.com/our-products/foaming-facial-cleanser/

Also, do you think sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate are okay during pregnancy? And what are your thoughts about parabens? I have heard mixed opinions about all of these, but noticed they are in many of the products you suggested.

Anon-The CeraVe cleanser has Citric Acid toward the end of the ingredient list, so it depends on whether you are completely avoiding hydroxy acids or not. I think that both of those sunscreens and parabens are fine during pregnancy and at any time pretty much.

I address some of that in the comments above, but octinoxate has no evidence against it, Oxybenzone in RATS (with very different immune systems from us), when they have very high amounts of oxybenzone they have a bit of growth of their uterus. So they said that was an estrogenic effect. That doesn't mean it will do the same thing to a human, especially at much lower doses.

As well, parabens were found in breast cancer tissue. But that's all we know, it was there. It was never proven (esp in many subsequent studies) to have a conclusive link to cancer, and for all we know it is found in much higher concentrations in your left big toe. Obviously I'm playing devil's advocate, but we really don't know anything. It's much easier to avoid parabens now than it used to be, so if you're concerned I say to avoid them. But, when listening to the advice of others (including me), just consider what their alternative agenda is. I guess mine is that I don't mind parabens for myself, but I also want consumers to know what studies really found. The EWG is a lobbyist group, and they very frequently overstate or completely misstate what studies find, so they make a lot of people much too worried/freaked out.

Anyways, way more info than I meant to say, but there you go! :D In general, my advice is to avoid any ingredients that make you nervous.

Janna-I tried out the Radiance line a bit during my pregnancy, but found that it was much too hydrating for my oilier skin. I broke out like crazy! Looking at the ingredient list of the products, the Exfoliating Body Wash, Facial Cleanser and Day Lotion with SPF 15 all have small amounts of citric acid at the very end of the ingredient list (so probably just there to adjust the product pH), so it just is up to you as to whether you're avoiding all hydroxy acids or not.

Christine! You are a fabulous resource. You are so educated about these things, and I know that all of these women appreciate your responses.

You have given so much great info about face products, but I am wondering if women should be concerned about ingredients in other products such as shampoo. I have heard that sodium laureth or sodium lauryl sulfate can have dangers as well as dmdm hydantoin (bc it gives off small amounts of formaldehyde). These are in many products, though. Should pregnant women be concerned about either of those?

Christine, I found your blog today while looking for a nice quality sunscreen. Thank you for creating such a wonderful resource! If you have a minute, I'd love to get your opinion on the safety of my current routine. I am nursing a healthy five month old baby girl. I wash with Fresh's Soy Cleanser, follow with Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3 and Algenist's Anti-Aging Moisturizer. I also use Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream. Is this combo safe? I'm lacking a sunscreen as I've been relying on my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Can you recommend a lightweight facial moisturizer for every day? I was looking at Kiehl's or Algenist's new sunscreen. Thank you! -Jessica

Anon #1- Since you rinse off shampoo so quickly I wouldn't worry about it. The issue with sulfates is that it strips hair and skin of natural oils, which can cause drying and irritation. If you have those problems I'd avoid sulfates, but it shouldn't be an issue with pregnancy per se.

Anon #2- While nursing you don't need to avoid anything that is topical, though some say you shouldn't take oral retinoids (aka- accutane). So, if what you're using is working I'd stick with that! It's always a struggle to find a great lightweight SPF for every day. My go-to is the Kiehl's Ultra Facial SPF 15, though I would prefer SPF 30 and complete broad spectrum coverage. This one doesn't have either. But, it is super, super lightweight and my skin kinda loves it, and I don't skip it because of the SPF. I try to go for something with a higher SPF on days I know I'll be outside more, and there's an Olay Regenerist with SPF 55 or something insane that is also really lightweight. I haven't tried that Algenist, but I know they sent products out to bloggers (I got a mask to review), someone else may have reviewed it?

Anna- The Lifting Ampules have Lactic Acid in them, and in general all hydroxy acids are on the no-no list. BUT! Your body makes lactic acid. Kinda hard to avoid that. So, those are probably ok. The Avon Anew has Retinol in it and so shouldn't be used during pregnancy. If the ingredients I found for the foundation on Amazon are correct then it is fine!

I have been using REN ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum to help combat blemishes during my early pregnancy and I am wondering if you can tell me if this product is in fact safe to use? It is sold at Sephora.

Any further info on REN would be much appreciated as I am trying to find a line that works and is as natural/safe as I can be.

Anon#1- I wouldn't worry too much about the willowbark that you've already used, surprisingly enough it wasn't on the list of things to avoid and I'm not sure that it is able to be absorbed though the skin very far anyways. I do really like that StriVectin Scrub and it should be fine to use, though most of it will be rinsed off.

Anon #2- The toner looks fine to me! Let me know if you like it, I haven't tried it before. :D

Anon #3- That Ren Night Serum is ok for pregnancy. I actually don't know anything about Ren, this is actually the first I've heard of them! I'll try to research them a bit and write a post.

Thanks Christine! I had asked the lady at Sephora if she could recommend a natural product (that didn't contain any retinoids or hydroxy acids) that would help fight acne. I did not tell her I was pregnant thought. However, I have found directly from the REN website their first FAQ states the following:

"None of our products contain ingredients at levels which should cause concern during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. However, certain products contain ingredients such as essential oils that some women choose to avoid entirely during pregnancy..."

So, if you do have any further info for pregnant women on this line of skin care I would sincerely appreciate it! Btw, this one blog post is by FAR the most resourceful piece of info on the entire web. And I've done a LOT of research...

Hi Christine your research is really impressive!. I just switched to Chantecaille products recently as it has many paraben free products. Any advice on safety of their pure rosewater and flower harmonizing cream?

Lastly, do you avoid using makeups? I find it a bit hard to resist. Im now 28w pregnant. Thank you!

Anon #1- I'm not really sure what essential oils they could be talking about?? I haven't found any info about avoiding any of those. I'm glad this post helped you!

Anon #2- This is just all the stuff I found when researching this myself at the beginning of my pregnancy a few years ago. :D I figured if a beauty blogger is going to write about it, it should be me, the pediatrician!

Looking at the Chantecaille products, the Rosewater is fine but the Flower Harmonizing Cream has Retinyl Palmitate, so I'd stop it until after delivery.

I didn't avoid makeup up at all, though I did look at my foundation ingredients the same way I look at my skin care ingredients.

I'm just got myself the Strivectin cream, I'm 2 months pregnant but I also have existing stretch marks and I want to use it my arms. I dont really think it would cause any harm but please give me an opinion.

Have you ever had any experience with Belli Eye Brightening Cream or Novena Organic Cucumber Cranberry Eye Gel? I've come across both as being safe to use during pregnancy, but not sure about their effectiveness.

The Belli product has far more reviews than the Novena one, but the Belli one does contain a few ingredients that may be questionable in terms of safety.

UltraceuticalsThis is a pretty big line, so it's hard to comment on everything. I just looked at what they list as their top 5 sellers:Even Skintone Serum- not safe (salicylates and hydroxy acids)Ultra A Smoothing Complex- Not safe (retinoid)Ultra C Firming Serum - Looks okUltra Rich Moisturiser Cream- Looks okProtective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+- Lactic acid is listed as an ingredient, which is the one exception to the hydroxy acid no-no rule. So, I think it is ok.

StrivectinThe regular strivectin cream is fine to use, the eye cream isn't due to hydroxy acids.

Hi!! I was wondering if this was safe?-Quercetin: an Ultra-Powerful antioxidant derived from the oak tree it helps to minimize the signs of aging and keep skin looking younger. -Myrtle extract helps to improve skin elasticity.-Mourera Fluviatilis Extract: Provides moisture-binding properties which helps maintain the skin's water levels. -Rhodiola Rosea Extract: Helps prevent the appearance of dark circles and eye puffiness.

Anon #1- The list you provided has Salicylic Acid in it, which is something that needs to be avoided.

Sarah- Congrats on your pregnancy! I can definitely understand wanting to be extra cautious. Unfortunately, Estee Lauder doesn't release their ingredients list very easily, so I can't get it online. You can ask them to email you the list for the exact products that you use or get it from your product packaging.

I'm extremely happy to have found your site! I would to love to hear your opinion regarding a few ingredients. I have been using a moisturizer called Bio-lipid repair fluid and recently I started researching the product and I'm concerned about some of the "potential" harmful ingredients. The following are a few that stand out the most: PEG-8, ascorbyl palmitate, disodium EDTA, methylisothiazolinone, and mugwort.

I'm anxious to know if I should discontinue using the product as my husband and I will soon be trying to conceive. I feel there is so much conflicting information on the internet and I don't know how much of it is scare tactics or the truth. Also, I looked into some of the USDA organic products and even some of those have ingredients to stay away from during pregnancy. I feel as though nothing is safe to use nowadays. I would sincerely appreciate your honest medical opinion!

Hi Christine! I am so happy that I found your blog. I just would like to ask if Mary Kay Timewise microdermabrasion safe for pregnancy? I'm 6weeks pregnant right now. And also I am using this concealing cream which has the following ingredients:

Ashley- You should avoid Mugwort while trying to conceive, apparently it can cause miscarriage (something I'd never heard). Best to pick a new product. Good luck!

Anon #1- The Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect Protection has a retinoid in it, so you should avoid it.

Anon #2-The Ultra Sheer 70 has a retinoid (which surprised me), so don't use that one. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 85 is fine, so that might be a good alternative. The Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 15 is also fine. The ingredients you list for Ageless Restoratives is fine and the Cetaphil cleanser is also safe. Hope that helps!

Shayne- Those ingredients for the concealing cream look fine. I couldn't find "official" ingredients for the Mary Kay, but my friend Nicki at Future Derm has this post: http://www.futurederm.com/2012/05/30/do-mary-kays-best-selling-products-work/She co-wrote it with a friend about the Mary Kay skin care items, and that friend is a MK rep. I think they just typed out the ingredient list directly from the box. I definitely trust Nicki, so even though they aren't on the MK site I do think that these are the right ingredients and they look find to me!

Hi Marble,I thought I'd just peek at all of the Positively radiant products. Since Aveeno doesn't have their ingredients online, I used the lists that are Drugstore.com

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 15- very small amount of citric acid (it's the very last ingredient on the list), likely there only to help the product's pH. If you're being super strict about hydroxy acids you can avoid this one, but I think it's probably fine. You'd get way more from drinking a glass of orange juice.

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturize- this one also has Citric Acid, but it is near the top of the ingredient list. Again, up to you if you're avoiding Citric Acid or not, but I'd probably hold off on this one.

Thanks for the info. I'll try to get hold of the full ingredient list for the daily moisturizer and post it up.

Also.. I know we are moving out of tangent.. My lips are so dry and chapped, is the Lucas paw paw ointment safe to use on my lips? If not what can I use that is safe. Just cautious cos i have higher of licking my lips and swallowing the stuff.

I'm pregnant and I needed something to help me with my skin stretching and causing itching. I use a bit of the Dr. Max Power Stretch Mark Treatment all over my body but I put a bit extra on my stomach. You do need to let it set in before getting dressed!

Overall it works great and is a good price considering how much it would cost to buy all of the ingredients and do the right process to get them to blend together.

Hi Christine! I am 31 weeks pregnant and my acne is out of control. I am wondering if the Clinique facial products are safe? Specifically, the facial soap bar, the dramatically different moisturizing lotion, the clarifying lotion 2, and the take the day off makeup remover. These are all from Clinique

i love your blog. thanks a lot. i am 10 weeks pregnant and have been using a facial foam that contains dmdm hydantoin. i am planning to look for another facial wash since i searched for its safety (that's why i came across your site) and i've found out that it causes fetal hydantoin syndrome. It is teratogenic as phenytoin (taken orally) but is it safe as a facial foam since it's only topical? im kinda worried since i have been using it when i was already pregnant? thanks so much.

Oh wow, I let some of these comments sit in my comment inbox and I didn't notice how long some of them had been there! Definitely feel free to email me (cemikese at yahoo.com) if you need me to answer sooner!

Marble- The vaseline is fine, but the Clarins has Benzyl Salicylate, which you should avoid.

Matty - The ingredients in that product look safe though I have no clue how to go about making your own at home.

Anon- Your Aloe looks fine, that Aveeno has Citric Acid as the very last ingredient. I was very strict about it and didn't use it in anything until my last trimester, but really you would get a lot more in a glass of OJ. It's up to you :D

Shiela- I've never heard of that syndrome in relation to a topical product, and even when looking at the EWG's site (which is highly overreactive) they only discuss irritation. I'd stop using it just for peace of mind, but I think you were probably fine! A lot less will be absorbed through your skin than if you were taking much larger doses orally.

Anon #3- When looking for the Arbutin in the active ingredients list it looks like it is similar enough to Hydroquinone that you should consider the product as off limits.

Anon #4- The first comment with the moisturizing concentrate has Lactic Acid, which while technically a hydroxy acid is made in your body anyways so you could use that product. If the Clarifying Toner has the Willow Bark extract I'd avoid that one.

Whew! Sorry for the late responses everyone. I've been spending a LOT of time at work recently. Don't forget, EMAIL ME if you need to know more quickly!

Hi Christine! I am so happy that I found your blog and saw the useful information. Would you please tell me if maybelline instant age rewind eraser foundation can be used for pregancy women? look forward to your reply. Thanks a lot!

It looks like the foundation and concealer are both fine, if the ingredients list that I found on Walgreens.com is correct. I've been using that concealer recently and have really liked it, let me know how you like the foundation, I might need to pick it up! I was impressed that the foundation has hyaluronic acid (nice for hydration) and there are peptides and such in both!

I really learned a lot while reading those posts and comments. However, I would like to ask if my Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser and Clinique Superdefense SPF-25 (age defense moisturizer) are safe to use during pregnancy? I am on my 5-month pregnancy and very careful on what I'm using.

I've read in this site that u can't find the ingredients of Clinique. Here are the ingredients listed on my product for your reference:

Hi there. I am on the hunt STILL for a fairly cheap oil free moisturizer that is pregnancy safe. I did take the advice and get the purpose facewash. Love it. However, the neutrogena oil free moisture with spf 15 or no spf at all have several parabens in them...i thought that those were ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Is that not the case? Not sure. I'm so confused. Have you heard if Olay complete

Anon-Parabens aren't currently on the list of ingredients to avoid. The data on any problems with them in adults is controversial in the lay press, but so many physician groups have come out after reviewing the literature and said that there is no concern for adults, that they've always been considered safe in pregnancy. Having said that, if they make you nervous I'd avoid them.

Your Olay Complete question got cut off (strange?? What is up with that Blogger??), but I checked their SPF lotions. There are some that have parabens, but these 2 are safe and paraben free. I haven't tried them, but I am a fan of Olay and I've found that their products are great:http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/complete/spf-facial-moisturizer?pid=075609011023http://www.olay.com/skin-care-products/complete/gentle-face-moisturizer?pid=075609000980

Ms. Mooy- On the Aloe Life site they say there's Vitamin A added and another site says that it is Retinyl Palmitate. I'd avoid that. It's a small amount so I wouldn't stress too much about what you've used so far, but I'd stop using it.

I really learned a lot while reading your posts. I know that Salicylic acid should be avoided during pregnancy. As I am using Kiehl Ultra Facial Toner and just read the ingredient contains Ethylhexyl Salicylate. I would like to ask if this Kiehl toner is safe to use during pregnancy?

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! just discovered your blog, and more importantly, this article. I've been struggling with what to do with pregnancy skincare for a week and this guide is exactly what I needed. I'll be shopping today!

This is an amazing resource! Quick question-- I know that you love Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer--what about the Oil Free version? Or the Gel? I am 13 weeks pregnant, and dealing with both acne (and am using Belli's line, and like it a lot), but now my skin is feeling fry as well. Ugh! Would love your insight!

Anon- There aren't any studies out there about safety for BHA's in pregnant women at all, let alone with certain % products. Paula likely made that recommendation based upon amount of absorption and other information that isn't actually published, but rather is based on physiology.

I would avoid licorice root based upon this article which details the historical use of licorice root to induce abortion:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/232204

Anything topical is thought to be fine while breast feeding, you only need to be careful of anything you'd take by mouth (and your doc would let you know if something was an issue) Yeah for breast feeding!

Wonderful blog - I wish that I had found you during my first pregnancy! I am using several products by Kate Somerville and hoped that you might be able to confirm whether they are safe to use: Clinic to Go Resurfacing Pads, Goat Milk Cream, Cyto Cell Dark Circle Corrective Eye Cream, Cyto Cell Dermal Energizing Treatment and the Quench and Correct Plumping Lip Gloss and Treatment. That's a lot of products! :) Thank you for any advice you might be able to provide!

Hi, Christine, I have been using the Estée Lauder time zone wrinkle cream, and one of the ingredients is octinoxate what do you think? I am 5 weeks pregnant..did it harm my baby? I am terrified, and praying that it is ok.

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments! I put a lot of time and effort into my site, I'm so happy that people find it useful!

Anon #1- I'm jealous of your Kate Somerville! The Clinic to go has hydroxy acids in it that haven't been proven safe, usually it's recommended to go for physical exfoliation instead of chemical when pregnant if that helps. :D The Goat Milk Cream has Willow Bark in it, which you might want to avoid due to the Salicylic derivatives in it. The other products are all safe!

Anon #2- I can't find ingredients online for the first 2 products, but the one you listed ingredients for is fine

Anon #3- It's fine! You actually don't need to worry about topical products while breast feeding. Just enjoy the baby!

Anon #4- I don't know of any data that octinoxate (a sunscreen) wouldn't be safe. However, many of the time zone products contain retinoids and those should be avoided. If it makes you at all uncomfortable, it would be best to just switch to a different product. A cream isn't worth losing your precious pregnancy sleep over!

Anon #5- Thanks so much for your nice comments! You don't need to worry really while breast feeding, but the Glycolic Acid wouldn't be on the safe list of pregnancy. Fine for you now, but for those that are pregnant it isn't.

Wow! Amazing site! It's so overwhelming determining how to use safe products during pregnancy. I am grateful to have stumbled on your site! I saw that you just commented on several Kate Somerville products. I use the Oil Free Moisturizer - are the ingredients safe to use? Also, I am using Living Proof haircare but am unfamiliar with a lot of the ingredients. Do you think the "Full" shampoo and conditioner are safe to use?

Last but not least, I was interested in trying the Armani Maestro makeup that is primarily oil based but wasn't sure about the ingredients. Thanks for your help!! It's so appreciated!

This is AMAZING. thanks so much for all your hard work to help us figure out what is safe for us for and for the little ones on the way! I was looking into the Yes to Blueberries line to try to find a mostly natural, paraben free line with anti-aging benefits. It looks ok to me, but I was wondering if you though these looked ok? Thanks so much!

Hi, Christine, great blog! I am trying to establish if Lactic Acid is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, is it safe to you skin care products with ingredients or essential oil full of vitamin A (natural source)? Thank you, Anna.

Anon #1- The Kate Sommerville is fine. I used up all of my Kiehl's, and I can't find ingredients for it or the Armani, so I'm not sure. I think the Kiehl's is fine, because I'm pretty sure started using it while I was pregnant. Hair care isn't something you need to worry about. Hope that helps!

Joken Jo- The Aveeno is fine, but I can't find ingredients for the other products either.

Janice- Your Nip+Fab list looks fine to me!

Elizabeth- I think that Clinique is fine!

Anon #2- Both of the Yes to Blueberries products look ok to me.

Sarah- I'm not sure about the Kiehl's Oil Free because I used all of mine up and the ingredients aren't on their website. :D But, I'm pretty sure that I started using it while I was pregnant, which means it was fine. I'm a big fan of Cetaphil Cream. My legs are dry anyways, but I was SUPER dry while pregnant, it's the only one I use!

Anna- Lactic acid is fine at both times since it's something your body makes anyways, so you can't avoid it. :D It's recommended to avoid any extra Vitamin A regardless of the source. (Which makes you wonder why they put it in your prenatals...but you need a certain amount and they want you to avoid more and different forms) Vitamin A is the big one to be careful of since it's been linked to birth defects.

Hi Christine,I love your blog! I had a miscarriage in June, and now I'm a bit over cautious about what products I'm using to prepare for the next pregnancy.

I'm looking to buy a moisturizer for the coming winter, and can see you've been recommending 'Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser'. I found on their website that the product is formulated for all skin types, with Squalane, Vitamins A and Vitamin E (http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/moisturizers/ultra-facial-moisturizer.aspx). And for the SPF 15 one, 'Retinyl Palmitate' is one of the key ingredients (http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/moisturizers/ultra-facial-moisturizer-spf-15.aspx) As you suggested we should try to avoid Vitamin A, does that mean the amount of Vitamin A in the moistueriser should be ok.

Do you think if the Kiehl's 'Ultra Facial Cream' is safe to use as well.(http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/moisturizers/ultra-facial-cream.aspx)

Swati- My recs are in the post above. You only need to worry about pregnancy!

Kerry- I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I can see why you're being so cautious! I think there must be a difference in formulas between the US and UK. I pulled out my bottles of the SPF and non-SPF versions and neither have a Vitamin A derivative (including Retinyl Palmitate) listed as ingredients. You need to avoid this ingredient completely, so I would NOT recommend the UK version. I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending the Ultra Facial Cream from Kiehl's UK since I can't see a full ingredient list.

@Carla Sia- It looks like the Creme de La Mer has a Salicylate in it, as well as Citric Acid. Citric acid is usually there to balance the pH, and you get quite a bit more just by drinking OJ, the Salicylate is one we generally say to avoid as well, but that risk is more theoretical. It's also in the Kiehl's Rare Earth Cleanser.

@Ria- Again, Citric Acid toward the end, but you probably get way more from a sip of OJ... I'd probably be fine using it. :D

No one has addressed sulfur-based products yet. I know Mario Badescu and Sephora have a few but I can't find any information on it. My dermatologist was not at all helpful. I guess no one wants to be the one to recommend anything. She wasn't sure about sulfur or glycolic and had to look them up. Even then she wasn't sure. How do doctors not know and where do we find answers? The Internet?

My doctor told me that Glycolic Acid (aka AHA) is safe. Is this true?I really hope so....My skin is very acne prone, and my Glycolic acid facewash is the only product I've found that will keep the pimpled at bay.

Anon- The reason your doctor didn't know is because there really isn't an answer, no one has truly done the correct studies to declare sulfur or glycolic acid products "safe". I've been asked about both quite a bit lately, so I'll amend my post above to reflect my answer.

Anon-While nursing you don't need to worry about any of the topical products, only oral. So, the Ren Micro Polish Cleanser is fine!

Kelly- the eye cream is fine, but the night cream has a retinoid so it isn't.

Hi,I really enjoyed reading through your blog, thanks for all the useful tips you mentioned, and about the design, I love it!My little boy is 3yrs now, but I thought it would be useful for sometime in the future :)